DOG REGISTRATIONAll dogs must be registered once they reach three months of age. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that their dog(s) are registered each year.

Since 1 July 2018, all dog registration details are stored on a state-wide database that replaces 68 separate dog registration databases. This change ensures that registration details move with the dog (between new houses or new owners), and lost dogs can be identified from any council district in the state and reunited with their owner sooner.

If renewing an existing registration you will need to enter the unique code received with your renewal notice; you cannot renew your registration until you receive your unique code. You will also require:

An email address (if you don't have an email address you will need to attend a Council office to register your dog)

DACO will send you a grey registration disc with a number that will stay with your dog indefinitely*. You may alternatively purchase a metal dog disc, badge, or tag from a provider of your choice and have it engraved with your dog's permanent registration number.

The animal registration record attached to this number will contain information about:

The breeder of the dog

Microchip status and who microchipped the dog

Desexing status and who desexed the dog

Control orders placed on the dog

Historical information about the dog

This will make it easier for Rangers to locate owners of found dogs, for owners to transfer registration if you move house or change owners, and ensures potential ill practices can be identified. There will still be an annual registration fee for your dog.

*Using a life-time disc will reduce up to 600kg of landfill waste per year generated by the replacement of annual plastic tags. However, if your plastic disc is damaged or lost, you can request a replacement online.

Should your dog pass away, please contact council and inform us. We will then advise you of the actions to take.

DOG FACT SHEETSThe website Good Dogis an excellent source of information for all dog owners. It includes information on what dog breeds might suit you and your family, how to manage dogs around children, laws for dog ownership and much more.

DOGS AND OPEN SPACES​Providing suitable on- and off-leash activity areas is vital to the success of animal management in our Council area.

Dog owners require suitable areas to exercise their dogs safely. Equally, other members of the community must have the ability to use open space and recreation amenities without the fear of uncontrolled dogs, uncollected dog faeces and other nuisances.

Dogs must be on leash on all roads, streets and footways. There are a number of dog friendly parks in our district where owners can exercise their dogs off leash. Some reserves may have restricted off leash times to meet the needs of other users; please check for signs at each park or reserve to view restrictions, hours of operation, and your responsibilities as a dog owner.

If you have an encounter with a dog that is aggressive, or it attacks or
harasses you, it’s important to report the incident so we
can help manage any dogs that may be a risk to the community. Please report all incidents to Council immediately on (08) 8408 0400 or mail@ahc.sa.gov.au.

In the case of an incident occurring, first consider the safety of yourself, your animal, or anyone else involved. If needed, please seek medical or veterinary attention immediately after a dog attack.

Adelaide Hills Council offers assistance to dog attacks/harassments 7 days a week 24 hours a day if it is immediate (occurring now). When safe to do so report the incident to us on 8408 0400.

Identification, name/address/phone number if they are willing to provide this

The address from which the offending dog may have come from, if known

Car registration number, make/model and colour of vehicle if the offending owner drove away with the dog

A description and photographs of any injuries to a person or animal

You should also keep copies of any medical documents, vet reports or doctor's bills as evidence.

What happens when a report is made?Rangers will attend as soon as possible when contacted at the time of the attack or harassment. If the offending dog is still 'at large' (i.e. not with an owner) a Ranger will attend immediately to restrain the dog and that dog may be impounded.

A statement will be taken from all persons involved, including any witnesses, and photographs may be taken by Rangers of any injuries to yourself or your animals. After gathering supporting evidence and assessing the circumstances, the Rangers will decide whether any action is required to prevent further attacks or harassments, take appropriate action, and inform all parties of the outcome.

What action/s can Council take?If there is insufficient evidence, or depending on the circumstances of the incident, Council may take no action. Otherwise they may:

Issue a warning

Expiate for offences of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995

Impose a Control Order such as: Nuisance, Menacing, Dangerous or Destruction Dog Order. Each order will have conditions to control the dog such as leashing or muzzling requirements

Take direct court action

What is the law?Section 44(2) of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 makes it an offence for a dog to attack, harass, or chase a person, animal or bird owned by a person, whether or not actual injury is caused.